Awhi Creatures Papakura: Town-Wide Augmented Reality Experience

AUGMENTED REALITY TOWN-WIDE TREASURE HUNT AND CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT: PAPAKURA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

In late 2015, Papakura was invaded by interdimensional flying creatures which nested in shops and alleyways across the town.

Augmented Reality Markers or ‘portals’ allowed the creatures to come and go via mobile phones. By holding the camera view of an augmented reality app over the portal the creatures were revealed.

The creatures were located via clues which helped people learn about the history of the city and encouraged information sharing via social media. Papakura Business Association was a key partner who assisted in curating sites for the creatures and helped broker foster care by the business owners.

The creatures were ‘acclimatized’ to the Papakura landscape by local youth in workshops supported by Creative Communities.

The hands-on creature making workshops took place within the Papakura Marae community and at Papakura Art Gallery during September and October. A colouring competition (displayed in the gallery) allowed people to colour and connect with the creatures in other ways.

Awhi Creatures also had an immersive, interactive installation in Papakura Art Gallery from September 5th to October 17th.

Click here for our Radio NZ interview.

Awhi Creatures was simultaneously an economic regeneration, digital capacity building, creative engagement, diversity and place making project.

Awhi Creatures Papakura was supported by: Papakura Business Association and Papakura Art Gallery

and funded by Creative Communities